Maria

Album: Believe Deluxe Special Edition (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Officially, this song is not about Mariah Yeater, the woman who falsely claimed that Justin Bieber impregnated her backstage at a concert when he was just 16. However, it was clearly inspired by the incident and the tune even contains samples from various news outlets, reporting on Yeater's allegations. At a London press conference, the Canadian singer shared that, "It's about everything I've gone through."
  • Speaking to Billboard magazine, Justin compared the song the Michael Jackson classic on the same subject. "That's my 'Billie Jean,'" he said. "It was something I wanted to get off my chest, and I could just say it in a song and get my point across without having to worry about the words I'm using in an interview."
  • Justin revealed to Britain's Fabolous magazine that he nearly quit the music business when the paternity scandal first erupted back in November 2011. "At the beginning of it all I was in Florida, away from my friends and family and I was pretty sad," he said. "I got to the point where I thought, 'I don't want to do this. I just want to be normal.' It was difficult because I'd never gone through anything like that. Usher was like, 'Prepare to have this for the rest of your career because it's not going to stop.' He's gone through some stuff and most artists go through their fair share of bull. That was just my first time."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.